Real blow Atletico, boss Madrid derby
BARCELONA: Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio inflicted the latest blow on Atletico Madrid’s title defence after leading Real Madrid to a 2-0 to keep their team comfortably at the top of the Spanish league.
Vinicius Junior again proved to be the difference for Madrid, setting up Benzema and Asensio in each half of the Spanish capital derby.
Diego Simeone’s Atletico entered the Santiago Bernabeu needing a win to rekindle their hopes of getting back in the title race, seven months after they edged out Madrid and Barcelona in a thrilling finish to the 2020-21 season.
But the commanding win by Carlo Ancelotti’s side opened a 13-point gap for Madrid over fourth-place Atletico. There is still more than half the season left, but the chances of Simeone’s team repeating as champion are fading fast.
“Madrid is in a ruthless mode right now. They reach your area, and they score,” Simeone said. “They deserved to win the game. I like how they play. They have strong defence, get out quickly on attack and are effective up front. They are having a great season.”
The leading threats to Madrid are Sevilla, who are second at eight points back, followed by Real Betis nine points adrift of Madrid. “We are on a good run, the only problem we have is that the league is far from over. We have 21 more games to go,” Ancelotti said. “But I am happy with how we are playing. I don’t rule any (rival) out. Atletico has talent, commitment and character.”
Benzema put Madrid on their way to a 10th straight victory overall in the 16th minute after Luka Modric intercepted a pass by Koke Resurreccion to start a counterattack.
Vinicius set up Benzema by stretching Atletico’s defence with a run down the right before finding his unmarked striker with a cross. Benzema did the rest with a superb sweep of his right leg to drive the ball under Jan Oblak for his leagueleading 13th goal.
Atletico improved after Simeone sent on Joao Felix and Thomas Lemar for Griezmann and Yannick Carrasco for the second half. But another counterattack driven by Vinicius settled the contest when the Brazilian found Asensio all alone to rifle the ball just inside the post in the 57th minute.